On Thursday Mr. Haldane explained his plans for Army reform
to the House of Commons in a speech memorable for its power and lucidity even more than for its length, which, however, approached the record of modern days. We have dealt at length elsewhere with the scheme, but may note here one or two important features. The reduction of the Regular Forces proposed is about 20,000.. This reduction is to be obtained by the abolition of ten infantry battalions, including two Guards battalions, and by the reduction of the establish- ment in the Line regiments. The saving contemplated in 1907-8 is £1,000,000, and ultimately £2,500,000. The Expe- ditionary Force, the organisation of which is the cardinal point of Mr. Haldane's scheme, will number 150,000 men, and be fifty per cent. stronger than any similar force possessed by us in the past. There will also be a body of 50,000 men ready to make up the wastage of war. The fears that Mr. Haldane intended to reduce the artillery do not appear to be warranted, although he proposes a considerable saving. We are to have as many guns as before. It is to be noted that two thousand fewer Regulars will in future be used for home coast defence, and that three battalions are to be withdrawn from South Africa, two from Malta, and one each from Gibraltar and Ceylon. In future the terms of enlistment will be : for the Line and Cavalry, seven years with the colours and five with the Reserve ; for the Guards, three years with the colours and nine with the Reserve ; for the Field and Horse Artillery, six years with the colours and six with the Reserve ; and for the Garrison Artillery, eight years with the colours and four with the Reserve.
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